29 May 2024
HPP about the importance of foreign investors in our sector
Who finances the preliminary phase of major developments and is willing to bear the risk?
This question is never actually asked… People often assume that this phase is included in the total amount of financing. Unfortunately, this is not (always) the case. This is because core players cannot yet participate if permits are missing, builders are reluctant to put too much volume on their balance sheet, and banks often prefer cash flow before financing.
Developers are willing to bear this risk, often cooperating with foreign investors. However, these investors expect higher returns as compensation for their increased risk.
On 29 May, we will visit Central Park in Utrecht, a good example of how foreign investors make property development possible.
Besides a tour of the building by Cushman & Wakefield, the following speakers will talk more about the topic:
- Wiggert Karreman, Managing Director APF International
Wiggert will tell how Central Park came about financially. He will highlight the role of foreign investors and how they take the risk to realize large-scale developments. - Frédéric Van der Planken, CEO Whitewood
Frédéric will take you through the goals of his fund Cityforward, an urban transformation fund that aims to acquire large-scale inner-city buildings and transform them into ESG projects. He will tell you about the first portfolio (21 buildings and 300,000 sqm) in Belgium and plans for the Netherlands and other European markets.
When: Wednesday 29 May 2024
Time: 16:00h walk-in & short tour, 17:00h start meeting with dinner
Where: Central Park, Stadsplateau 30, Utrecht
This meeting is organized for the HPP-IREIN & Finance Community.